The far-right party Chega, from Portugal, called the proposal to repair the damage caused by slavery made by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, on Tuesday (23), a “shame”.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the party also stated that if there were any way it would request the removal of the Portuguese leader for his comments on the matter.
Shame! If there was a way to remove the President of the Portuguese Republic right now, CHEGA would do it! #HE ARRIVES pic.twitter.com/fbkLtDoKhb
— Partido CHEGA 🇵🇹 (@PartidoCHEGA) April 24, 2024
On Tuesday (23), Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that Portugal was responsible for crimes committed during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, and suggested the need for reparations.
Speaking at an event with foreign correspondents, Rebelo de Sousa said that Portugal “takes full responsibility” for past mistakes and that these crimes, including colonial massacres, had “costs”.
“We have to pay the costs,” he said. “Are there actions that were not punished and those responsible were not arrested? Are there assets that were looted and not returned? Let’s see how we can fix this.”
The idea of paying reparations or taking other action for transatlantic slavery has been gaining traction around the world, including efforts to establish a special tribunal on the issue.
Over more than four centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, forcibly transported long distances, mainly by European ships and traders, and sold into slavery.
Those who survived the journey ended up working on plantations in the Americas, mainly in Brazil and the Caribbean, while others profited from their labor.
Portugal trafficked almost 6 million Africans, more than any other European nation, but has so far failed to confront its past and little is taught about its role in transatlantic slavery in schools.
Activists say reparations and public policies to combat inequalities caused by Portugal's past, including systemic racism, are essential.
***With information from Reuters.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
